Press Releases

Introduced: Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming U.S. Commitment to NATO

Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) filed bipartisan legislation today reaffirming the United States’ commitment to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-6), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53) and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2) are the lead cosponsors of the resolution, which has 18 cosponsors. NATO’s collective defense agreement was invoked for the first time following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and NATO has been a critical partner in U.S. efforts to combat terrorism. Last summer, at the Warsaw Summit, NATO leaders recognized cyberspace as a new operational domain and agreed to strengthen the Alliance’s military presence in Eastern Europe.

The Delaney-Coffman-Davis-Wagner resolution sends a clear message that members of both parties in the House of Representatives believe that NATO is vital to U.S. security interests. The resolution restates U.S. commitment to NATO, establishes that NATO is a crucial component of broader transatlantic security, affirms NATO’s importance in the fight against terrorism and encourages each member of the Alliance to make proper investments in defense.

“If you care about America’s national security, you have to care about having a strong NATO,” said Congressman John K. Delaney. “This bipartisan resolution cuts through the noise and sends a clear message to our closest security partners and allies that the United States is fully committed to NATO. There are few promises more powerful than collective defense and when the United States was attacked, our NATO partners were there. NATO is also an essential part of our security portfolio when it comes to counter-terrorism, intelligence and cybersecurity. As Russian aggression continues and the threat of terrorism rises in Europe, the last thing we should do is undermine NATO, which is why this resolution calls for a stronger and more robust Alliance. I thank Congressman Coffman, Congresswoman Davis, Congresswoman Wagner and all of our cosponsors for their partnership on this resolution.”

“As a Marine Corps combat veteran and member of the Armed Services Committee, I understand fully that NATO is a critical component of our national security and foreign policy,” said Congressman Mike Coffman. “Given the serious threats and challenges we face today—not only from the actions of nation states like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, but also from terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda and ISIS—America’s leadership and support of NATO is more important than ever. I am proud to help lead introduction of this important resolution that expresses our continued support for NATO, while encouraging our allies to meet or exceed their commitment to spend two percent of GDP on defense.”

“As a senior member of the House Armed Services committee, I have personally seen the enduring strength and necessity of the NATO alliance,” said Congresswoman Susan Davis. “NATO was founded with the ideals of democracy, individual liberty, and the desire for peaceful resolutions of disputes; all things that we as Americans must continue to fully support around the world. I will encourage all of my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to NATO as the foundation of transatlantic security and defense.”

“Our strong alliance with NATO is critical to the national security and defense of the United States,” said Congresswoman Ann Wagner. “In the face of threatening geopolitical challenges ranging from cyber warfare to terrorism to Russian aggression, it is incumbent on the United States and our European allies to reinvigorate our global commitment to international order and improve our deterrence capabilities. As a former United States Ambassador to Luxembourg and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I urge my colleagues to defend our country’s commitment to NATO and safeguard the freedom and security of all its members.”